Quiet Anniversary: North Korea’s Embassy in Beijing Remains Unremarkable on 75th Anniversary of Diplomatic Ties with China
Beijing, October 6, 2024 – On the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between North Korea and China, the North Korean Embassy in Beijing remained remarkably quiet, a stark contrast tothe usual fanfare marking such milestones.
While other embassies in the capital buzzed with activity, the North Korean Embassy presented a picture of stillness. A lonearmed police officer and a police officer stood guard at the entrance, but no personnel or vehicles were seen entering or leaving the premises.
Just a few dozen meters away, the bustling 日坛公园 (Ritan Park) was teeming with tourists,yet few ventured near the embassy. The large bulletin board beside the main entrance, typically adorned with photos and videos showcasing the close ties between North Korea and China, lacked any commemorative displays for the anniversary. Instead, it featured images of Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un inspecting factories, farms, and missile launches, often accompanied by his daughter, Kim Ju-ae.
The bulletin board usually serves as a window into North Korea’s domestic affairs, highlighting the country’s achievements and showcasing its strong relationship with China. In 2021, it displayed photos of Kim Jong-un’s three visits to China in 2018. Last July, to mark the 70th anniversary of the armistice agreement that ended the Korean War, the board featured images of Kim Jong-un alongside Chinese leaders.
The lack of any visible celebration at the embassy on this significantanniversary has sparked speculation about the current state of North Korea-China relations. While both countries have maintained a close relationship, recent reports suggest tensions have emerged over North Korea’s continued nuclear and missile programs. China has been increasingly vocal in its disapproval of these activities, calling for denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
The quiet anniversary serves as a reminder of the complex and evolving relationship between North Korea and China. While both countries share a history of close cooperation, the future of their relationship remains uncertain, particularly in light of North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and China’s growing concerns.
References:
*Yonhap News Agency (2024, October 6). 朝中迎建交75周年 朝驻华使馆一片冷清. [Online article]. Retrieved from https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20241006000000004?input=1195m
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